Rape charges against two Asheville Tourists baseball players have been dismissed, according to the Buncombe County district attorney.

Class-A relief pitchers Michael Mason and Jesse Meaux were charged in August 2013 with two counts each of first-degree rape.

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District Attorney Todd Williams released a statement saying: "The District Attorney's Office must often make hard choices. The Asheville Tourists cases were first charged in August of 2013. These cases were passed by the former administration to my office for review on January 1, 2015. Upon completion of my review of these cases, in my discretion, I have elected to dismiss the charges filed against the Asheville Tourists defendants. Out of respect for the privacy of all involved I cannot comment further."

Mason and Meaux, who were 23 at the time, were accused of raping a woman at the apartment they shared at Ascot Point Circle.

The Asheville Tourists are affiliated with the Colorado Rockies.

Both players were suspended by the parent club pending the outcome of the investigation, and neither pitched a game since the alleged incident.

In August 2013, the Colorado Rockies issued a statement that said: "The Colorado Rockies and their affiliate, the Asheville Tourists, are aware of the arrests and the very serious allegations made against two players, Michael Mason and Jesse Meaux. Each organization is shocked and deeply concerned about the allegations. At this time, the players have been suspended as the investigation and legal process continue.

"We are working with the authorities investigating the circumstances and issues surrounding the events and are awaiting further details and findings. Given that this is an ongoing legal investigation, it would be inappropriate to comment or speculate any further."

Colorado Rockies management has not yet commented on the dismissal of the charges.